Artist activist restrained by police during Utah County data center hearing

At a Utah County Planning Commission session, officers moved activist Aspen Azalea out of the meeting room, holding her neck as she lay on the floor and repeatedly stating she was not acting. Another demonstrator nearby was handcuffed while also on the ground. The commission’s vote endorsed a draft ordinance that would cap data-center water consumption at 300,000 gallons per year, require well-impact studies, and limit facility size and location.

Board member Seth Cox likened data centers to landfills, noting their ubiquity for cellphone users. The exchange was captured on video by the Party for Socialism and one outlet Salt Lake City and shared online. In response, organizers announced a Capitol rally demanding “Justice for Aspen” and accountability for the officer involved.